The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading is about the options available to us if there are times, or if in general, it is difficult to attend face to face meetings. I live in a large suburb of a capital city, so there are no shortage of meetings around - my location was never a problem. For me, initially I felt too overcome with emotion the first couple of meetings I attended. Not only was I unable to speak, I would react in tears to things other people shared. Turning to CAL (approved literature) and working with a sponsor helped me immensely and eventually going to meetings was something I looked forward to doing.
i think of our statement 'you are not alone'- and the truth of that is yes, we can most assuredly find support and strength in face to face meetings, but if there are reasons we are unable to do that the readings, the online meetings, correspondence with others, a sponsor- are all ways to work a program of recovery.
I am grateful that there were people who continued to encourage me even though attending meetings was difficult in the beginning. if there is someone new reading this today who is feeling hopeless I hope knowing there are many avenues available for help is encouraging as well.
Great reminder Mary. I know I looked for small alanon meetings in the beginning as I found large meetings too overwhelming. The literature also helped/helps me as well. Have a great day and thanks for your service.
Thank you Mary for your service, the daily and your ESH. I too am fortunate to live in an area where there are many meetings and choices when/where to attend. I am truly grateful for that - I do better with routine, and love making attending meetings as part of my routine. I also agree that if we are willing to work the program and apply all aspects as best we can that we can move mountains in recovery with any efforts - a great sponsor, online meetings, phone meetings, chat meetings, etc.
I believe for me, as one who is very visual, the literature keeps me grounded. I can be troubled, and pull out the literature and find a reading or a page that reads as if it's new and just for me in that moment. It's the miracle of recovery and my HP speaking through the tools to bring me calm, grace and a bit of balance - in my quest for serenity!
Make it a great day!!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
